The panel titled “Balancing Development and Decarbonization: Climate Strategies for a Divided Planet” panel discussion convened experts and policymakers to discuss the pressing challenge of reducing carbon emissions amid global inequalities. Panelists included Patricio Barreiro (Institutional Development and International Cooperation Director, Argentina), Xufeng Zhu (Dean, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, China), Abdeta D. Beyene (Executive Director, Centre for Dialogue, Research and Cooperation, Ethiopia), and Judith Mwaniki (Director of Development Programs, Consortium for Economic Research and Development Studies, Kenya). The session was moderated by Aude Darnal (Research Analyst and Project Manager, Stimson Center, USA).
Patricio Barreiro emphasized the responsibility of industrialized nations to support equitable climate action: “Countries in the Global South cannot be expected to decarbonize at the cost of their development. Climate finance must be accessible, fair, and transformative.” Xufeng Zhu addressed the role of state-led innovation: “Green technology adoption requires both political will and investment in local capacity. One-size-fits-all approaches will not work.
Abdeta D. Beyene pointed to regional imbalances: “Africa faces the dual challenge of poverty and climate vulnerability. Without tailored support, the green transition will deepen global divides.” Judith Mwaniki stressed the need for inclusive and realistic strategies: “Climate action must align with development goals. We need context-specific solutions, not imported frameworks.” Panelists called for robust international cooperation and climate finance models that bring advanced technology—like carbon capture and green hydrogen—within reach of developing nations.
